Timeless Juan Mata Scores An Absolute Long-Range Screamer In Melbourne Derby | WATCH

Last Updated:February 21, 2026, 17:23 IST

Juan Mata dazzled in the Melbourne Derby, scoring twice and assisting Santos in Melbourne Victory's 3-1 win over Melbourne City at AAMI Park.

Juan Mata turned back the clock, and lit up the Melbourne Derby.

The Spanish maestro inspired Melbourne Victory to a second Isuzu UTE A-League derby win of the season, scoring twice and laying on a third in a pulsating 3-1 triumph at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

His opener? Pure audacity.

After City defender Germán Ferreyra fumbled under pressure from Nishan Velupillay, Mata pounced and, spotting Patrick Beach off his line, chipped him from near the centre circle. A first-time, 40-yard dagger. Derby chaos.

Max Caputo briefly silenced the Victory end, rising to head home a Marcus Younis cross against the run of play.

But the night belonged to Mata, and he wasn’t done.

Early in the second half, substitute Matthew Grimaldi drove infield, drawing defenders like moths to a flame. That left Mata free on the edge of the box. One touch to set. One touch to strike. The ball fizzed into the top corner. No saving that.

Victory had their swagger back.

Jack Warshawsky had earlier produced a stunning close-range stop to deny Medin Memeti, preserving parity at 1-1, while Keegan Jelacic and Charles Nduka kept City pinned back with relentless running.

Then came the clincher.

With City chasing, Mata slid a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Santos on the counter. The substitute did the rest, drilling into the side netting to send the Victory faithful into raptures.

Two goals. One assist. Derby bragging rights secured again.

News sports football Timeless Juan Mata Scores An Absolute Long-Range Screamer In Melbourne Derby | WATCH

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